64-688: Waipaparoa / Howick Beach is a beach in the Auckland Region of New Zealand 's North Island . It is located in Howick . Waipaparoa / Howick Beach is located in East Auckland in Howick, adjacent to Mellons Bay in the west and Cockle Bay in the east. Waipaparoa / Howick Beach looks out towards the Tāmaki Strait , Waiheke Island , Motukaraka Island and Beachlands . The Tāmaki Strait
128-656: A 30 km radius of their nest. Research conducted on the Philip Island colony found the spatial segregeation of foraging behaviour was primarily determined by age rather than biological sex. In long lived species such as seabirds, it is during the middle age of their lifetimes where they are expected to be in the best physical condition. This is why in Eudyptula minor , middle aged individuals foraged at greater distances from their nests and were able to dive greater distances Older penguins are found to forage closer to
192-642: A change of gravel in their enclosure. It is still not known what caused the deaths of the penguins, and it was decided not to return the 12 surviving penguins to the same enclosure where the penguins became ill. A new enclosure for the little penguin colony was opened at Sea World in 2008. In New Zealand, Eudyptula penguin exhibits exist at the Auckland Zoo , the Wellington Zoo , the International Antarctic Centre and
256-509: A changing area. The trench was covered up a few years after construction, due to little blue penguins getting trapped inside. From 1956, the Howick Volunteer Coastguard has patrolled the beach. The beach is a popular location for picnics and swimming, and has several boat ramps. Auckland Region Auckland ( Māori : Tāmaki Makaurau ) is one of the 16 regions of New Zealand , which takes its name from
320-507: A large group after dusk and walk along the shore to reach their nesting sites. This may be an effective predator avoidance strategy by traveling in a large group simultaneously. This has not been seen by those of the New Zealand lineage. Eudyptula minor only recently encountered terrestrial vertebrate predators, while Eudyptula novaehollandiae would have had to deal with carnivorous marsupials . Eudyptula minor breeds along most of
384-468: A major oil spill with the grounding of the Rena off New Zealand in 2011, which killed 2,000 seabirds (including little penguins) directly, and killed an estimated 20,000 in total based on wider ecosystem impacts. Oil spills are the most common cause of the little penguins being admitted to the rehabilitation facilities at Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP). These oil spill recurrences have endangered not just
448-445: A new 240 metre-long wharf was constructed at Waipaparoa / Howick Beach. At the turn of the 20th century, the beach had started to become a popular location for excursions and holidays. In 1905, bathing sheds were erected at the beach, and in the 1920s the northern area of the beach was subdivided for housing. During World War II , an anti-tank trench was dug at the eastern end of the beach, which over time primarily used by children as
512-469: A part of the same species Like those of all penguins , the wings of Eudyptula species have developed into flippers used for swimming. Eudyptula species typically grow to between 30 and 33 cm (12 and 13 in) tall and on average weigh 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). The head and upper parts are blue in colour, with slate-grey ear coverts fading to white underneath, from the chin to the belly. Their flippers are blue in colour. The dark grey-black beak
576-409: A population density of 364 people per km . Auckland Region had a population of 1,656,486 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 84,768 people (5.4%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 240,936 people (17.0%) since the 2013 census . There were 818,262 males, 832,188 females and 6,036 people of other genders in 544,083 dwellings. 3.5% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
640-505: A reserve was created for Ngāi Tai around the Wairoa River and Umupuia . As a part of this arrangement, Ngāi Tai agreed not to settle elsewhere in the region, which included Waipaparoa / Howick Beach. In 1847, Howick township was established as a defensive outpost for Auckland, by fencibles (retired British Army soldiers) and their families. Many of the ships transporting the fencibles arrived at Waipaparoa / Howick Beach, including
704-400: A season. Double brooding is more likely to occur in individuals who lay their first clutch, prior to mid-September. While there is some inter annual variability, the most common period for little penguins to lay their first clutch in spring, mid-September is considered early and gives species time left in the season to lay a second clutch of eggs after the first have fledged Double brooding
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#1732794149733768-499: A small foraging range, and therefore higher possibility of competition when prey availability is more scarce Particularly during breeding season when energy demands for both parents and chicks are at their highest, in order to survive Eudyptula minor adapt to these constraints by increasing the plasticity and variability in their foraging behaviour, which includes spatial, age, or diet based segregation During chick rearing, parents will make on average one day long foraging trips within
832-455: Is 3–4 cm long, the irises pale silvery- or bluish-grey or hazel, and the feet pink above with black soles and webbing. An immature individual will have a shorter bill and lighter upperparts. Like most seabirds, the Eudyptula species have a long lifespan. The average for the species is 6.5 years, but flipper ringing experiments show that in very exceptional cases they may live up to 25 years in captivity. Eudyptula minor does not have
896-412: Is a behaviour which its onset can be strongly influenced by sea surface temperature, age and food availability Warmer sea surface temperature in summer and autumn corellated with earlier laying of first clutch of eggs increasing the chances of double brooding. In contrast, in New Zealand it was observed that during periods of El Niño Southern Oscilation where colder temperature water was being brought to
960-527: Is available. When prey is larger and individuals are only catching 1-2 items at a time, they are more likely to hunt alone to reduce competition, whereas smaller and more mobile prey, or schooling prey species, promote group hunting to enable efficient encirclement. The Oamaru colony predominantly feeds on smaller schooling species such as sprat and gudgeon, while penguins from the Stewart/Codfish Island colonies more often hunt alone. The latter
1024-517: Is commonly known as the fairy penguin , little blue penguin , or blue penguin , owing to its slate -blue plumage and is also known by its Māori name kororā . It is a fossorial bird. The Australian little penguin ( Eudyptula novaehollandiae ), from Australia and the Otago region of New Zealand, is considered a separate species. Eudyptula minor feathers are dense in melanosomes which attribute to both their strength to swim fast through
1088-473: Is currently considered by most taxonomists to be a colour morph or subspecies of Eudyptula minor. In 2008, Shirihai treated the little penguin and white-flippered penguin as allospecies . However, as of 2012, the IUCN and BirdLife International consider the white-flippered penguin to be a subspecies or morph of the little penguin. Little penguins from New Zealand and Australia were once considered to be
1152-518: Is known is colonies in New Zealand commonly consist of smaller fragmented groups in comparison to Australias larger colonies, some with <10 breeding pairs, this is largely attributed to NZs fragmented coastline separating the larger colonies. This is commonly seen in Kaikoura where 6-7 smaller colonies have been found along 1.7% of coastline Little penguins are central place foragers, meaning they will travel distances to forage but always return to
1216-483: Is likely linked to a predominantly cephalopods diet (58% of prey items at < 10 gm each). Rising ocean temperatures has seen a trend towards earlier onset of breeding in Eudyptula minor but this does not always align with the availability of their prey. This is because higher sea surface temperatures are associated with early onset of nesting, but also associated with lower nutrients and oxygen availability. During
1280-521: Is not considered endangered in New Zealand, with the exception of the white-flippered subspecies found only on Banks Peninsula and nearby Motunau Island . Since the 1960s, the mainland population has declined by 60-70%; though a small increase has occurred on Motunau Island. A colony exists in Wellington Harbor on Matiu / Somes Island . Protestors have opposed the development of a marina at Kennedy Point, Waiheke Island in New Zealand for
1344-593: Is the summit of Little Barrier Island , at 722 metres. Prior to the merger into the Auckland Council on 1 November 2010, the Auckland Region consisted of seven territorial local authorities (TLAs); four cities and three districts: The Auckland Region is home to at least 23 known species or subspecies exclusively found in the region. This includes plant species such as the Waitākere rock koromiko ,
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#17327941497331408-501: Is thought to be some of the main reasons for increased vulnerability in the future. The threats it provides include nest and habitat distruption, as well as deadly to eggs and individuals, despite this Eudyptula minor appears to show no fear towards fire when directly exposed. When observed, they have been to found to remain around or under vegetation until severely burnt or injured. Some have even been observed preening their feathers near to open flames. Fires can also significantly alter
1472-540: The Auckland Council , replacing the previous regional council and seven local councils. In the process, an area in its southeastern corner was transferred to the neighbouring Waikato region. Since then, the Auckland Council has introduced a system of local boards to divide the region for local government. On the mainland, the region extends from the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour in the north across
1536-485: The Eudyptula minor colonies currently facing decline The data shows highest level of penguin mortality is caused by roadkill, likely due to many of the colonies being close to coastal highway. To mitigate this issue, a penguin-proof fence was erected in 2019 across 3.3 km of highway where road kill was most prevalent, no roadkill deaths have been recorded since its implementation The risk of fire damage to habitats in Philip Island has been partially mitigated through
1600-458: The Eudyptula novaehollandiae the lineage of little blue penguins which inhabit Australian and Otago regions, there is not evidence to suggest this is an established behaviour within Eudyptula minor , however double broods are occasionally noticed among the colonies in the Kaikoura coastline It is unsure yet whether this is means double brooding is a genetically mediated behaviour. There is also an uneven distribution of research carried out across
1664-555: The Minerva and Sir Robert Sale . Ships used to offload passengers directly onto the sandstone reef, and since the early colonial era, the beach developed a reputation as being dangerous, due to numerous shipwrecks and drownings. In 1854, wharf was constructed on the beach, however was only usable at high tide. Many ferries preferred to disembark passengers at the Shelly Park sandspit, despite being further away from Howick. In 1896,
1728-728: The National Aquarium of New Zealand . Since 2017, the National Aquarium of New Zealand, has featured a monthly "Penguin of the Month" board, declaring two of their resident animals the "Naughty" and "Nice" penguin for that month. Photos of the board have gone viral and gained the aquarium a large worldwide social media following. In the United States, Eudyptula penguins can be seen at the Louisville Zoo
1792-609: The Taronga Zoo in Sydney . Enclosures include nesting boxes or similar structures for the animals to retire into, a reconstruction of a pool and in some cases, a transparent aquarium wall to allow patrons to view the animals underwater while they swim. Eudyptula penguin exhibit exists at Sea World , on the Gold Coast, Queensland , Australia. In early March 2007, 25 of the 37 penguins died from an unknown toxin following
1856-539: The Turanga Creek . The Howick area was extensively cultivated, but as the area was relatively exposed, two fortified pā were constructed: Paparoa Pā at the south-eastern end of Waipaparoa / Howick Beach, and Tūwakamana Pā above Cockle Bay. In addition to agriculture, the Waipaparoa / Howick Beach area was known for pioke ( shortspine spurdog sharks), which were caught in the near-by estuaries and dried at
1920-590: The Australian little penguin as a new and separate species, Eudyptula novaehollandiae . E. minor is endemic to New Zealand, while E. novaehollandiae is found in Australia and Otago. A 2019 study supported the recognition of E. minor and E. novaehollandiae as separate species. This IUCN assessment treats Eudyptula minor and Eudyptula novaehollandiae as just one species. Are used interchangeably throughout report to specify location, however are considered
1984-596: The Oamaru colony of Eudyptula minor , however in 1995 the availability of species from 20% in December to 0% in January the following year. Penguins were able to successfully adapt and their diet instead began to consist of slender sprat and pigfish If penguins produce a second clutch of eggs in a season once the first chicks have fledged, this is known as double brooding. Thus far this behaviour has only been observed in
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2048-600: The ability to reclaim success early suggests it is likely that successful double brooding is a behaviour that improves with age. Another influencing factor is the availability of food, for larger colonies such as the Philip Islands, competition for food can increase significantly during the breeding season, particularly if there is variability in the amount of prey available. If this competition results in aggression between adults this can also influence ability to successfully raise chicks, and be able to successfully breed in
2112-590: The adjacent coastline along the Firth of Thames were part of the region until the Auckland Council was formed in late 2010, when they were transferred to the Waikato region. In land area the region is smaller than all the other regions and unitary authorities except Nelson . The region's coastline is 3,702 kilometres (2,300 mi) long. It has about 21,000 kilometres (13,000 mi) of rivers and streams, about 8 percent of these in urban areas. Its highest point
2176-432: The arrival of the Australian species in New Zealand was determined to have occurred roughly between AD 1500 and 1900. When the E. minor population declined in New Zealand, it left a genetic opening for E. novaehollandiae . The decrease of E. minor was most likely due to anthropogenic effects, such as being hunted by humans as well as introduced predators, including dogs brought from overseas. It has been determined that
2240-417: The beach. In the 1600s, the warrior Kāwharu attacked and raised Paparoa Pā, without taking occupation of the lands. While the wider area was still cultivated, the site of Paparoa Pā became a wāhi tapu (sacred and restricted) site to Ngāi Tai. In 1836, English Missionary William Thomas Fairburn brokered a land sale between Tāmaki Māori chiefs, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Turia of Ngāti Te Rau , covering
2304-407: The breeding season parents are restricted to a short foraging area close to their nest and are therefore vulnerable to small regional changes. La Niña Southern Oscilation events increasing the sea surface temperature along the New Zealand coastline caused prey such as schooling fish and krill to either become more regionally scarce or migrate to new habitats. Grahams Gudgeon once dominated the diet of
2368-429: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 330,039 (24.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 571,350 (42.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 345,828 (25.9%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 44,700, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 194,880 people (14.6%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
2432-555: The coastline of New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands . However, Eudyptula minor does not occur in Otago , which is located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island . The Australian species Eudyptula novaehollandiae occurs in Otago. E. novaehollandiae was originally endemic to Australia. Using ancient-DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating using historical, pre-human, as well as archaeological Eudyptula remains,
2496-859: The composition of vegetation in Eudyptula minor habitats. A large fire in Marion Bay, South Australia in 1994 saw the loss of two key plant species; introduced marram grass Ammophila and coastal wattle A.sophorae . Following the fire, these grasses were replaced by invasive palms A.arenia and A.sophorae grew back in dense thickets. This habitat became no longer suitable for Eudyptula minor and colony relocated. Eudyptula species are classified as "at risk - declining" under New Zealand's Wildlife Act 1953 . Overall, little penguin populations in New Zealand have been decreasing. Some colonies have become extinct, and others continue to be at risk. Some new colonies have been established in urban areas. The species
2560-420: The diet of the Philip Island colony has diversified to include selections of cephalopods and krill during the post guard stage of their life cycle where greater amounts of energy is required for chick development and egg production, resident penguins predominantly rely on anchovies when more energy is required. The nature of their diet also impacts foraging methods, which may vary by colony depending on what food
2624-494: The distinct bright blue feathers that distinguish Eudyptula novaehollandiae. In addition, the vocalisation patterns of the New Zealand lineage located on Tiritiri Matangi Island vary from the Australian lineage located in Oamaru . Females are known to prefer the local call of the New Zealand lineage. There are also behavioural differences that help differentiate these penguins. Those of the Australian lineage will swim together in
Waipaparoa / Howick Beach - Misplaced Pages Continue
2688-573: The eponymous urban area . The region encompasses the Auckland metropolitan area , smaller towns, rural areas, and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf . Containing 34 percent of the nation's residents, it has by far the largest population and economy of any region of New Zealand, but the second-smallest land area. On 1 November 2010, the Auckland region became a unitary authority administered by
2752-493: The greatest terrestrial risk to little penguins and include cats, dogs, rats, and particularly ferrets and stoats . As examples significant dog attacks have been recorded at the colony at Little Kaiteriteri Beach, and a suspected stoat or ferret attack at Doctor's Point near Dunedin , New Zealand, claimed the lives of 29 little blue penguins in November 2014. Little penguin populations have been significantly affected by
2816-514: The little penguins, but the entire penguin population. This can further decline the population, which can lead to possible extinction. Increased frequency of drought and extreme temperatures in Southern Australia has led to an increased fire risk. Being flightless birds that nest on land, little blue penguins are especially vulnerable to fire. Behavioural traits such as reluctancy to abandon nests and emerging mostly during daylit hours
2880-615: The majority of modern-day South Auckland , East Auckland and the Pōhutukawa Coast . The sale was envisioned as a way to end hostilities in the area, but it is unclear what the chiefs understood or consented to. Māori continued to live in the area, unchanged by this sale. Fairburn's Purchase was investigated by the New Zealand Land Commission found to be excessive and reduced in size. The disallowed parts of his purchase were not returned to Ngāi Tai, however in 1854
2944-404: The next season. During the breeding season, Eudyptula minor are central place foragers, this means that they travel within their home range to find food, but will return to their nest to feed both themselves and their chicks. Their foraging range is limited by how long chicks can fast, and the high energetic of costs of constant travelling for individuals. Such a behaviour has resulted in both
3008-543: The planting of fire-resistant indigenous vegetation in and around the nesting sites. Thus far this planting has occurred primarily in the <10% of the colony most visible from tourist look-out points In 1997 in NSW, the Eudyptula minor was listed as an endangered species under the endangered species act 1995. Since then conservation efforts such as public education, nest monitoring and labelling it as ‘critical habitat’ were implemented. Despite these efforts, this mainland colony
3072-625: The population of Eudyptula novaehollandiae in Otago arrived even more recently than previously estimated due to mulitlocus coalescent analyses. Outside of the Otago region, all colonies are expected to belong to the sub species Eudyptula novaehollandiae Many of these colonies are smaller and more patchily distributed than larger Eudyptula minor colonies that exist in Australia and Otago. Extensive research exists on Philip Island and Oamaru colonies as they are sites of large colonies which attract large groups of tourists Population size and trends of colonies in New Zealand remain poorly documented, what
3136-545: The risk it poses to little penguins and their habitat. Protesters claimed that they exhausted all legal means to oppose the project and have had to resort to occupation and non-violent resistance. Several arrests have been made for trespassing. The West Coast Penguin Trust and DOC have worked in collaboration to maintain data on penguin mortality, the West Coast South Island colonies are highlighted as one of
3200-440: The same nest or colony. They are also a species where both parents are required to raise chicks, and alternate foraging trips while the other is guarding and incubating the nest during the post guard stage. These stints can last anywhere between 1–10 days during incubation. Despite nesting on the shore, little penguins forage at sea and feed on a diet ranging from small schooling fish, to cephalopods, krill, and microzooplankton. As
3264-485: The same species, called Eudyptula minor . Analysis of mtDNA in 2002 revealed two clades in Eudyptula : one containing little penguins of New Zealand's North Island , Cook Strait and Chatham Island , as well as the white-flippered penguin, and a second containing little penguins of Australia and the Otago region of New Zealand. Preliminary analysis of braying calls and cluster analysis of morphometrics partially supported these results. A 2016 study described
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#17327941497333328-403: The sea floor. Foraging efficiency has been found to be significantly influenced by age. Foraging success appears to stabilise selection for middle-aged penguins, as feeding is a learnt behaviour but also requires good physical condition. For the Philip Island and other Southern Australian colonies, anchovies are the primary food source. Anchovies are rich in oils and nutritional value. Although
3392-421: The shore than middle aged adults When foraging in groups, they were also observed to all be of a similar age cohort, likely that when the prey available is small schooling prey and is more advantageous for penguins to forage as a group If the groups are segregated by age, this is likely because they are at the same foraging ability and occupy the same approximate range Introduced mammalian predators present
3456-790: The southern stretches of the Northland Peninsula , through the Waitākere Ranges and the Auckland isthmus and across the low-lying land surrounding the Manukau Harbour , ending within a few kilometres of the mouth of the Waikato River . It also includes the islands of the Hauraki Gulf . It is bordered in the north by the Northland Region , and in the south by the Waikato region. The Hunua Ranges and
3520-423: The species is widely distributed across a range of habitats in New Zealand and Australia, variation in diet and foraging choice has also arisen. Important little penguin prey items include arrow squid , slender sprat , Graham's gudgeon , red cod , and ahuru . Little penguins feed by hunting small clupeoid fish, cephalopods , and crustaceans , for which they travel and dive quite extensively, including to
3584-468: The sub species of little penguin the Eudyptula novaehollandiae are disproportionally researched more than others because they occur in large colonies which such as the Philip Island penguin parade, and the Oamaru penguin colony which have attracted international and local tourism and are understanding their behaviours are important to economic success In a study carried out on Oamaru penguin colony found double broods to increase breeding success by up to 75%
3648-406: The surface there was a delay in the onset of breeding for the Eudyptula novaehollaniae , thus resulting in a lower incidence of double brooding in the Otago colonies. Age is also believed to be a factor effecting double brooding because the pairs successfully able to double brood were most commonly strategic in reclaiming successful nests and pair-bonds. Little penguins show a high nest fidelity, and
3712-681: The undesccribed Mokohinau gecko , insect species such as the Little Barrier giant wētā , and bird species known to roost exclusively in the Auckland Region, such as the New Zealand storm petrel . Many endemic species are found exclusively within the Waitākere Ranges , on Great Barrier Island , Little Barrier Island and the Mokohinau Islands . Auckland Region covers 4,941.16 km (1,907.79 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 1,798,300 as of June 2024, with
3776-542: The water, and its unique blue colour. The little penguin was first described by German naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster in 1781. Several subspecies are known, but a precise classification of these is still a matter of dispute. The holotypes of the subspecies E. m. variabilis and Eudyptula minor chathamensis are in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . The white-flippered penguin ( E. m. albosignata or E. m. minor morpha albosignata )
3840-572: Was 35.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 318,843 people (19.2%) aged under 15 years, 346,938 (20.9%) aged 15 to 29, 770,949 (46.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 219,750 (13.3%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 49.8% European ( Pākehā ); 12.3% Māori ; 16.6% Pasifika ; 31.3% Asian ; 2.7% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
3904-647: Was met with additional challenges from threats from wild dogs and foxes, to lack of available local prey. Species is now listed as at-risk declining under the same act Zoological exhibits featuring purpose-built enclosures for Eudyptula species can be seen in Australia at the Adelaide Zoo , Melbourne Zoo , the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra , Perth Zoo , Caversham Wildlife Park (Perth), Ballarat Wildlife Park , Sea Life Sydney Aquarium , and
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#17327941497333968-557: Was spoken by 92.3%, Māori language by 2.6%, Samoan by 4.5% and other languages by 29.4%. No language could be spoken by 2.3% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 42.5, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 34.9% Christian , 5.4% Hindu , 2.9% Islam , 0.9% Māori religious beliefs , 1.9% Buddhist , 0.3% New Age , 0.2% Jewish , and 2.6% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 44.8%, and 6.2% of people did not answer
4032-505: Was that 712,110 (53.2%) people were employed full-time, 161,946 (12.1%) were part-time, and 43,947 (3.3%) were unemployed. The eponymous city (urban area) of Auckland has a population of 1,531,400 as of June 2024, making up 85.2% of the region's population. Other urban areas in the Auckland region include: Little penguin The little penguin ( Eudyptula minor ) is the smallest species of penguin . It originates from New Zealand . It
4096-469: Was visited by the Tainui migratory waka around the year 1300, and members of the crew settled around East Auckland and the Pōhutukawa Coast . These were the ancestors of the modern mana whenua of the area, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki . The traditional names for the beach and surrounding bay are Paparoa and Waipaparoa, with Waipaparoa referring to the wider bay between modern-day Howick and Beachlands , including
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